We've all heard it... Schools need money.
But today - once school district in Illinois is trying to take the pressures off their taxpayers to get the money the need.
It's happening in Kewanee, Illinois - at the Weathersfield School District.
They are participating in a nationwide competition for recycling - and it could be pay big dividends.
The hallways are littered - but it's not because the janitors are lazy.
There is just so much coming in.
"The aspect of service really resonates with our kids," says high school Principal Jeremiah Johnston. "They want to be involved with something positive."
Jennifer Gault is a science teacher at the school and is heading up the contest at Weathersfield. she considers herself and environmentalist and is excited to win the possible grand prize of the contest - $25,000
"The money they offer as prizes can be used for green improvement. It can be for new windows or solar panels."
The problem with an old school is the fact that is isn't energy efficient.
And with the money the school loses on energy bills is money that is ultimately taken from students.
something Freshman Jewel Cales understands completely.
"We could buy more things that we have never had before."
A new boiler - and hundreds of new windows that could cost upwards of $300,000.
This money could help fix this school - but in the end, it's about learning.
"There are a lot of different attitudes and dispositions(from students). Some are very excited. For others, it's a learning process. They don't recycle at home so they just throw it away when they are here," says Gault.
But rest assured - dealing with a mess right now - may benefit in the future.
